The beauty of the salary cap is that it is supposed to level the playing field for all NRL teams.
There is enough space for stars, but not multiple, meaning rosters need to be carefully crafted so teams can field competitive seventeen players, and this is where the well-run clubs stand out.
They can secure talent for less than they are worth.
Whether it is due to talent coming through their nursery, veterans on cut-price deals or just getting lucky with late-bloomers, the best clubs in the NRL have a host of players on deals worth less than their true value.
So, let's look at the best current value-for-money contracts in the NRL, but with the following caveats.
1. Contracts where previous clubs are contributing a portion of the player's salary, such as David Fifita, will not be included.
2. Only contracts with a definitive reported figure on Zero Tackle's website will be considered.
5. Moses Leota
Arguably the second best prop in rugby league, Moses Leota could command $1 million at any club in the NRL, but right now, he is on a deal worth only $675,000.
Leota came through the Penrith Panthers' pathway system, making his debut in 2016 and remained a one-club player.
Contracted until the end of the 2027 season, Leota wants to remain a Panther for life, so it isn't expected he will ask for more money once his contract expires.
His last contract renewal was in 2023, and since then, his value has continued to skyrocket, meaning his current contract at the Panthers has also increased regarding its value for money.
To put it into perspective, Addin Fonua-Blake is earning $1 million a season at the Sharks, Keaon Koloamatangi will earn the same amount at the Dragons next season and James Fisher-Harris is earning $950,000 a year at the Warriors.
Leota is better and more impactful than each of those names but is earning roughly $300,000 less.
Now that's value for money.
